Diagnosing arthritis can be tricky, with symptoms coming and going and so many types to consider and eventually rule out – including those with similar symptoms like psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout. That’s why people sometimes are initially misdiagnosed and told they have one form of arthritis only to find out later they have another kind entirely.
Does getting it right the first time really matter?
Yes, it does, says Eric Matteson, MD, chair of rheumatology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
“Early diagnosis is important because the window of opportunity for eliminating long-term joint problems is in the first couple of months of noticing the joint arthritis,” Dr. Matteson says. “Treating it in this timeframe, we can make a major impact on disability from joint damage. We say the first month is critical, but certainly treatment in that first three months is important.”
Even though psoriatic arthritis, or PsA, is an inflammatory form of arthritis, it is sometimes confused with osteoarthritis, or OA, which is not. It also can be mistaken for other forms of inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or gout. Below are some tips to help avoid a psoriatic arthritis misdiagnosis. Another way to make sure you get a proper diagnosis is to see a rheumatologist – a doctor trained in working with arthritis and related conditions.
- If you have joint pain, and then develop the red, flaky skin that signals psoriasis, along with nail pitting, don’t rule out PsA. Psoriasis usually manifests before psoriatic arthritis symptoms, but not always and sometimes never.
- If you have psoriasis symptoms and nail pitting first, and then develop joint pain, PsA is likely the culprit, particularly if there is joint swelling. But you can have psoriasis and a form of arthritis that isn’t PsA. “It also depends on your age,” Dr. Matteson says. “If the patient is 60 or 70, I’d think OA first if there isn’t swelling.”
- If a single joint becomes swollen and extremely painful almost overnight, it’s probably gout. Unlike psoriatic arthritis, there is a surefire way to diagnose gout – examine joint fluid under a microscope. Uric acid crystals signal gout, which develops when the body can’t process uric acid, or produces too much. “You don’t find them in any other condition other than gout, and they are always present in gout,” Dr. Matteson says.
Have had the back injections and this last time the radio frequency abliation which has helped. Do not know how long I can work.
These spots are very hot and painful to touch. Standing is easier than sitting or lying down. I am miserable at night and usually end up getting out of bed every 1-1/2 hours. Some times I do not go back to bed until until I am exhausted and guaranteed sleep and that is 6 a.m. My doctor said I have OA but she gave me no suggestion on how manage this condition. I go to a "free" Cherokee Indian Clinic and now I am wondering if maybe I should see a rheumatologist . I really need some good advice from you.
Jenny
will it ever get better the nails don't really exist and have pits were there are nails.
his fingers have all broken and the tips are bent he works with his hands and im worried about his future can,what causes this i couldn't find this on the above .can it be passed to our children ,i know hes in pain most of the time and sleeps alot when he has the chance he will not go to the doctors,im trying to feed him a good diet but this is affecting his moods and im worried .thank you
My son has PSA for 6 yrs and he is doing well
on humeria shots. I recommend them they do help him alot.
I pray every day for a cure for Psa.
Good luck to all.
arthritis from my rheumatologist. She wants me to take this new med, that I don't want to take and even my daughter , who is a RN, said that if it was her she wouldn't take it unless there was nothing else to take. I don't know what to do. I prefer all natural and exercise , but the knees swell a good bit and neither of my elbows will straighten out completely. I am not at a point that I can't do things , just very uncomfortable.. Any advice would be great.
when I walk. No problem sitting or sleeping.
About 4 years ago had right hip replaced with
no problems from day one! Have tried many
over the counter drugs with little help.
Any thoughts? Thank you.
My wife has been plagued with a gradual increase in swelling of the knuckles in her two index fingers over the last couple years and doctors attribute it to arthritis, but have not prescribed medication.
It has gotten so bad, both the increase in swelling and pain, that your exposure (and education) to this problem has prompted me to seek more specific medical help, such as seeing a rheumatologist.
Note: She has no signs of flaky skin as with psoriasis and oddly enough, does find some relief when adding significant amounts of garlic in her meals.
Is there any other advice you can provide for my wife's symptoms?
Thank you.
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